Heptacodium miconioides – Seven-son flower

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Caprifoliaceae

Heptacodium miconioides – Seven-son flower

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Grows from a shrub into a small tree with a vase-shaped to round crown, up to about 7 m high. The young twigs are light grey-green. The mature bark turns yellowish brown and peels in fairly long strips. The leaves are dark green and three main veins are visible in the lamina. A purple autumn colour can sometimes be seen. The flowers are white, opening in large panicles in September. Each terminal flower on the main and side shoots of the panicle is surrounded by a wreath of 3 - 6 flowers. The English name ‘Seven son flower tree’ is derived from this. Through the blossoming period, the white flower crown falls and the calyx extends, turning purple-red over several weeks. This prolongs the tree’s decorative value. Tolerates nearly any soil as long as moist but well-drained and adequately fertile.
Availability
Multi-stem (4)
Specifications
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Height
4 - 7 m
Width
3-6m
Crown
vase-shaped to nearly round, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
Twigs light grey-green, bark yellowish brown to brown, scaling
Leaf
opposed, elongated ovate, with 3 main veins, dark green, 8 - 16 cm
Flowers
white, in separate panicles, September
Fruits
elongated capsule, with persisting purple-red calyx
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
moist but well-drained soil
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
5 (-28,8 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies
Application
tree containers, roof gardens, small gardens, patio gardens
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Central and eastern China
Synonyms
Heptacodium jasminoides
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) vase-shaped 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres half-open crown green September average growing Conspicuous bloom all species valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit playground tree
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Frequently asked questions
Heptacodium miconioides

Heptacodium miconioides can eventually reach a height of 4 - 7 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Heptacodium miconioides is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 4 - 7 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Heptacodium miconioides is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Heptacodium miconioides with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Heptacodium miconioides blooms in september.
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